The Kolkata-based firm, for which tobacco still accounts for big chunk of the revenue, plans to set up multi-specialty hospitals and leverage its experience in hospitality for tapping into the expanding medical tourism segment in India.

of paper-rolled hand-made beedis was 25 per cent.In a letter to the Finance Minister, the state-based outfit has pointed out that classifying different products in lower rate slabs will lead to distortion and prompt users to switch to lower priced products including beedis, damaging their health in the process.

While it is expected to fall from 130 million kg to 105 million kg in Andhra Pradesh, Virginia tobacco production in the other key producing state, Karnataka, is pegged at 90 million kg as against the targeted 95 million kg.

Tobacco-control policies such as higher taxes and price increase can generate significant government revenues for health and development work, states a new report by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the US’ National Cancer Institute. Such measures can also reduce tobacco use and burden of killer diseases like cancer and heart ailments.

Consumer electronics manufacturers’ association has asked the government to bring refrigerators, washing machines and other electronics of daily use in the 18% slab rate under the goods and services tax (GST) regime, as opposed to the 28% suggested by the GST Council last week.

Delivering the Goods Tax structure from 5% to 28%; industry welcomes move; aam aadmi's grocery bill may not rise; more than 50% items in CPI basket to be exempted under GST and rest placed in lowest bracket.